Today's best bets, by Will Hayler

With Charlie Mann sending out three winners from his last 10 runners, the signs are encouraging ahead of Fine Parchment's (3.10) bid for back-to-back victories in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury today.

As the Cheltenham Festival looms upon the horizon, trainers seem to have taken their eye off the ball in respect of this contest which carries as much prize money as some of the handicaps at the big meeting.

Having shaped nicely behind an improving rival on his reappearance, Fine Parchment has been disappointing since but has slipped back down the weights as a result and will be suited by the return to good ground and a flat track.

Furthermore, Mann has played his cards well in booking the 10lb claimer Gavin Sheehan, who has looked tidy enough so far this season. Able to claim his full allowance, Fine Parchment will be running here off a featherweight.

Newbury 2.05 A major eyecatcher when staying on steadily into third on his first start for over a year at Wincanton recently, Buck Magic is going to take plenty of beating here, particularly as the extra quarter-mile should play into his hands.

Doncaster 2.20 Springtime seems to suit Sir Harry Ormesher, who regularly tends to find his form at this stage of the season. With a good record at this track and no stamina doubts, he can earn a tilt at a Cheltenham Festival prize.

Newbury 2.40 Having only capitulated late on in last year's Grand National, Niche Market showed that race had left no apparent scars when second at the same course behind West End Rocker in December. Good ground here will suit him a lot better.

Doncaster 3.25 With the weights now out for the National, Junior has nothing to lose by winning this contest en route to Aintree. He caught the eye on his recent return to action over hurdles, showing plenty of enthusiasm until lack of fitness told. Most importantly, he could well get his own way in front in this small field and dominating tactics seem to suit.

Newbury 3.40 With a 557-day absence to overcome, Balgarry obviously has his fitness to prove, but few trainers are as adept at David Pipe at bringing their horses back from a break in peak form. He starts life here on a sympathetic-looking mark.